Danny Murphy predicts where Liverpool FC, Man City will finish
Danny Murphy is backing Liverpool FC to beat Man City to the Premier League title this season
Danny Murphy is backing Liverpool FC to beat Manchester City to the Premier League title this season.
The Reds ended up just a point behind Pep Guardiola’s men in the top-flight table last term as they missed out on the title by a whisker.
Liverpool FC did manage to end last season on a high by beating Tottenham in the Champions League final, but the Reds will be aiming to try and challenge for the Premier League title once again this term.
Manchester City beat Liverpool FC on penalties in the Community Shield on Sunday after a 1-1 draw at Wembley as Guardiola’s side won the first trophy available to them this season.
Former Liverpool FC midfielder Murphy believes that the Reds are on course to win their first ever Premier League title this season, mainly because Manchester City have been weakened by the departure of Vincent Kompany this summer.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Murphy said: “Manchester City and Liverpool were 25 points clear of the field last season.
“I’m sure they won’t quite repeat their unbelievable results but it will still be a two-horse race for the title. The gap is too big for their rivals to make up in one go.
“A fully-fit Kevin de Bruyne will give City a boost, he is one of the best midfield players in the world, but I’m still backing Liverpool to turn around the one-point deficit from last May.
“Partly it’s because City could subconsciously prioritise the Champions League, having won the Premier League twice in a row. Pep Guardiola would never admit it but his players might take their more winnable games for granted and occasionally slip up.
“The main reason, however, is the departure of Vincent Kompany, their leader for so long. Kompany can be replaced on the pitch but in the dressing room and training ground it will be impossible to find someone with his experience, credibility and gravitas.
“Every team, no matter how good, have moments in the season where players quibble or fall out. The manager can’t always fix things: it’s sometimes down to a senior player to say ‘I need a word’ and put things right.
“City will have a new captain but Kompany’s influence spread beyond wearing an armband. He had authority and the respect of everyone.
“When City were tiring at the end of last season, it was no coincidence that Guardiola turned to Kompany to play and provide reassurance. His winning goal against Leicester was symbolic in deciding the best-ever title race.”
Liverpool FC will kick off their Premier League campaign with a home clash against Norwich City at Anfield on Friday night as they bid to get the season off to a positive start.
Manchester City, meanwhile, will travel to West Ham United in their Premier League opener on Saturday lunchtime.
